On May 28, the Indian government officially introduced new rules to establish a unified command structure across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The move, aimed at enhancing command cohesion, operational control, and administrative efficiency, falls under the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Act of 2023. These rules, published via a Gazette Notification, became effective on May 27.
According to the Defense Ministry, this development is a vital step towards achieving greater synergy among India’s defense forces. Initially passed during the 2023 Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Act received presidential approval on August 15, 2023, and formally came into force on May 10, 2024, based on a Gazette announcement issued on May 8.
The newly enacted regulations grant Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of the Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) legal authority over service members from different military branches under their leadership. This command structure enables seamless functioning without modifying the specific service conditions of the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
The subordinate rules, designed under Section 11 of the Act, serve to implement its provisions efficiently. These regulations are crucial for ensuring discipline, cohesive administrative oversight, and synchronized operations within joint commands. The Defense Ministry emphasized that with these rules in place, the legislation is now entirely functional.
This implementation allows ISO heads to expedite disciplinary processes, reduce redundancy in legal proceedings, and improve overall military discipline across services. By institutionalizing joint command protocols, the Indian defense forces are expected to function with increased effectiveness and unity, a significant advancement for national security operations.
